Fifth-wheel



(No Model.)

W. O. SWITZER.

FIFTH WHEEL.

.799. Patented Jan. 11, 1887.

w vtmaoaeo STATES VILLIAM C. SlVITZER, OFCOMANOHE, TEXAS.

FIFTH-WHEEL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent Ila-355,799, dated January 11, 1887.

Application filed May 28, 1886. Serial No. 203,552.

No model.)

fifth-wheels; and it consists ofthe peculiar vide a device of the class named, the parts of which shall be capable of movement upon each other with a minimum of friction and wear,

and which shall be securely retained or connected together, so that they cannot be easily displaced.

1n the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of in y im proved fifth-wheel. Fig. 2 is avertical sectionalview of my invention on the linear a: of Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are detached perspective views of the upper and lower sections of my improved fiftlrwheel. Fig. 5 is a like view of the plate H.

Referring to the drawings, in which like letters of reference denote corresponding parts in all the figures, A designates an axle of a vehicle to which my improved fifth-wheel is applied, and B designates a bolster which is carried by the upper section of the fifth-wheel, the axle and bolster being of any class or construction, as I do not desire to confine myself to any kind of axle or bolster; but I would have it understood that I hold myself at liberty to apply the invention to any character straight line, as in rounding curves or corners.

The lower section, D, of my improved fifthwheel is curved at its upper edge in cross-section, as at d, and this curved edge constitutes the bearing-surface for the upper section, 0, of the wheel, and the section 0 of the fifth-wheel is made hollow in form, similar toa shell, and it is curved in cross-section to correspond to the curvatureofthe bearing-edge d of the lower section, D. These curved edges or faces ofv the upper and lower sections of the fifth-wheel are fitted directly together, so that they bear upon each other, and the lower edges of the shell-like upper section, 0, fitover and partially inclose the lower section, D, so thatany lateral play or movement of the sections upon each other is prevented, while they are free to rotate or turn upon each other to permit of the necessary movement of the front axle, A, in turning curves.

When the sections are rotated or turned, they slide freely and steadily upon each other, and thus reduce the friction and wear on their respective bearing-surfaces, and, as the edges of the hollow section 0 fit over the edges of the section D they cannot become detached or moved laterally and thus displaced.

The lowersection, D,ofthe wheel is provided with integral straps or clips, E, which depend therefrom and have threaded ends,.as is usual, and. these clips straddle the aXleA and receive a clip-plate, e, and the securing-nuts 0, whereby the lower section is securely and rigidly connected to the axle, while it can be readily disconnected therefrom by detaching the nuts and removing the clip-plate, as will be readily understood.

The upper section, 0, of the fifth-wheel is provided with integral spaced lugs F, between which the ends of the bolster are fitted and re tained in place thereby against lateral movement, and to prevent longitudinal play of the bolster I provide bolts f and nuts f, the former of which are suitably secured to or formed integral with the section 0, and extend upwardly therefrom between the lugs F.

The front end of the reach is retained in place on and carried by the upper section of the fifthwheel by means of a plate, H, which is bolted to the under side of the reach and extends longitudinally thereof, the ends of the plate It will be observed that by the peculiar construction and arrangement of the parts of the fifthwheel I am enabled to dispense with a king-bolt, and thus preserve the inherent strength of the axle; but I would have it understood that I hold myself at liberty to use a king-bolt if itis deemed desirable or necessary, and in lieu of making the sections 0 and D complete circles they, may be made semicircular in form only.

I attach especial importance to the peculiar form of the sections 0 and Dof the fifth-wheel, whereby I am enabled to decrease the friction and wear on the bearing-surfaces thereof and to prevent any lateral play or movement, and to cause them to rotate or turn steadily and freely on each other, as I am aware that fifthwheels have been provided heretofore with projecting ribs on one section which fit in grooves on the other section.

the upper and lower sections, substantially as described.

.2. In a fifth-wheel, the combination of the lower section, D, having the straps E, adapted to be secured to an axle, as A, and the transversely-curved bearing-edge d, the upper section, 0, of hollow and curved form in crosssection, to snugly fit or embrace the bearingedge cl of the, section D, and provided with the integral spaced lugs F, between which theends of a bolster are retained in place, the bolts f, passing through the bolster, the reach carried by the upper section, 0, and the plate H, secured directly to the reach, and having the loop-shaped sockets h, embracing the sections of the fifth-wheel, substantially as de scribed, for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

V \VILLIAM O. SWITZER. \Vitnesscs:

J. L. 1VIOORE,'

J. Y. MONTGOMERY. 

